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These adorable Paper Plate Elves are a festive and easy craft for kids of all ages! With our free template, everyone can create their own holiday helper to spread Christmas cheer.
Christmas Paper Plate Elf Craft
Get into the holiday spirit by creating an adorable paper plate elf! With a mix of paint, cardstock, and embellishments like googly eyes and pom-poms, you can make both a boy and girl elf to brighten your festive decorations.
This Elf Craft is perfect for kids of all ages. Whether you’re a mom looking for an engaging activity to enjoy with your little ones or a teacher in search of a festive classroom project, this craft will be a big hit!
Our Paper Plate Elf comes with a free printable template, making it easy to assemble these adorable holiday helpers. Kids will love personalizing their elves with bright colors, cute details, and their unique touches. Let’s dive into how to make this cheerful holiday craft together!
HOW TO VIDEO:
Materials Needed to Make a Paper Plate Elf
- Template: For cutting the elf’s features (optional).
- Dessert-Sized Paper Plates: The base for your elf.
- Paint: we used Apple Barrel Lite Mocha (or a similar skin-tone shade).
- Cardstock: Chocolate brown, kraft paper, pink, red, black, and green.
- Googly Eyes: Adds a fun, expressive look.
- Black Sharpie: For detailing, like drawing smirks and eyelashes.
- Pom-Poms: Red and pink, for festive accents.
- Red Ribbon: To make bows for the girl elf.
- Glue: Craft glue or hot glue for sturdier assembly.
How to Make a Paper Plate Elf
Step 1: Paint the Paper Plate
- Paint the back of the dessert-sized paper plate with Lite Mocha paint to create the elf’s face. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on.
Step 2: Get all your pieces ready
- Print off our free template and cut out hair pieces from chocolate brown and black cardstock.
- For both elves, glue the top hair piece to the plate first.
- For the girl elf: Slide the braid pieces slightly underneath the top hair and glue them in place. Use hot glue if needed for added hold. Make two small bows using the red ribbon and attach them to the girl elf’s braids.
Step 4: Create and Attach the Hat
- Cut hat pieces from green and red cardstock using the template. Assemble and glue the hats onto the top of each elf’s head.
- Add a pom-pom to the tip of each hat for a festive touch.
Step 5: Add Neck Details
- For the girl elf: Add a scalloped neckline from kraft paper.
- For the boy elf: Add a classic elf neckline from red or green cardstock.
Step 6: Attach the Face Features
- Googly Eyes: Glue googly eyes in place, adding eyelashes for the girl elf.
- Smirks: Draw a small smirk for each elf with a black Sharpie.
- Cheeks: Glue pink cardstick circles on each side of the face for rosy cheeks.
Step 7: Add the Ears
- Cut pointed ears from kraft paper. Glue them to the sides of the plate, angling them slightly upward for a classic elf look.
Crafty Tips
- Secure the Hair: Use hot glue for the top hair piece to keep it firmly in place. Only adults should be using the glue gun.
- Customize Features: Add unique details like freckles or glitter to make your elf one-of-a-kind.
- Practice Placement: Lay out the features before gluing to ensure the spacing looks right.
- Make a Set: Create multiple elves with different hairstyles and hat designs for a complete holiday family!
- Easy Swaps: use whatever skin tone shade matches your family and friends best! Feel free to swap the pink circle cheeks for pom poms.
Your paper plate elves are ready to spread holiday cheer! These charming crafts are not only fun to make but also make excellent decorations or gifts for loved ones. Whether you’re crafting for a holiday party or enjoying a quiet afternoon of creativity, these elves are sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees them. Gather your materials and enjoy crafting these delightful holiday companions. Happy holidays!
